Routine Dental Care

Exams

Routine dental exams are important to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Additionally, they can help to avoid the financial costs associated with problems that may persist or worsen over time resulting in larger and more expensive problems later on. The Academy of General Dentistry recommends twice yearly checkups for people of all ages. At this frequency, most problems can be caught while they remain in an early stage.

How it’s done

The dentist first examines your mouth visually, using dental equipment such as mouth mirrors, dental picks, and high intensity lights. They will look for cracked and decayed teeth, as well as review other important items such as:

Medical history review: The dentist will assess how any new medical conditions or illnesses may affect your dental health.

Examination of tooth decay: Your mouth will be checked for cracked or decayed teeth.

Oral cancer screening: The face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums will be checked for any signs of oral cancer.

Gum disease evaluation: Your gums and bone around the teeth will be checked for any evidence of periodontal disease.

Examination of existing restorations: Current fillings, crowns, and other restorations are made sure to be in good order.

Digital X-Rays

Using the most advanced dental technology possible is just as important as staying up-to-date on the latest treatment techniques. Because our practice is dedicated to providing you with the safest and most convenient treatment options available, we utilize advanced digital X-ray technology in our office.

Digital X-rays provide several advanced imaging options designed to save time, provide clearer dental photos, and expose patients to less radiation than with traditional X-ray technology.

Our practice is focused on making your dental experience as comfortable as possible. At your next appointment, we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Oral Cancer Screenings

Our office is not only dedicated to your smile, we’re also dedicated to your overall wellness. We take a holistic approach to your dental care, which includes an oral cancer screening as a part of your regular exam. Like many kinds of cancer, oral cancer can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early.

We have the skills and tools to ensure that early signs and symptoms of oral cancer and pre-cancerous conditions are identified. While these symptoms may be caused by other, less serious problems, it is very important to visit our office to rule out the possibility of oral cancer. The most common symptoms of oral cancer include:

Red or white spots or sores anywhere in the oral cavity

A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal

A lump, thickening, or rough spot

Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips

Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue

Our team is trained in a simple, quick screening that involves an examination of your oral cavity as a whole, and not just your teeth, to detect cancerous and precancerous conditions. Besides a visual examination of your mouth, we will also feel the tissue of your mouth and throat to detect any abnormalities. If we find an area of concern, we may perform a simple test, such as a brush test, which collects cells from a suspicious lesion in the mouth to be sent to a laboratory for analysis. If this test comes back atypical or positive, we may recommend a biopsy.

Aside from receiving an oral cancer screening during your checkup at our office, there are many things you can do to help prevent oral cancer.

The best way to prevent oral cancer is to avoid all tobacco products and only drink alcohol in moderation.

Maintain a healthy, balanced diet.

Limit your exposure to the sun and always wear UV-A/B-blocking, sun-protective lotions on your skin as well as your lips.

During your next dental appointment, ask your dentist to perform an oral exam. Early detection of oral cancer can improve the chance of successful treatment.

Dental Cleanings

A professional dental cleaning at least twice a year can improve your oral health according to the Academy of General Dentistry. The dentist or hygienist performing your cleaning will have the opportunity to remove any hardened plaque and tartar that have accumulated on the teeth. Even with careful brushing and flossing it is still difficult to ensure teeth are 100% free of plaque and tartar at home. That is why twice a year it is recommended you visit your dentist for a professional cleaning!

Our staff will carefully clear your mouth of any plaque and tartar deposits, we will polish your teeth to perfection and floss thoroughly. We generally perform cleanings in conjunction with an overall examination to ensure your mouth is looking its best.

Neglecting your at home and professional oral hygiene routine could result in periodontal disease that can require additional care and costs. Keeping up to date with your oral hygiene is your best defense!

Brushing Instructions

Brushing: Step 1

Place your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to your gum.

Brushing: Step 2

Brush gently in a circular motion.

Brushing: Step 3

Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.

Brushing: Step 4

Use the tip of your brush for the inner surface of your front teeth.

Flossing Instructions

Flossing: Step 1

Wind about 18 inches of floss around your fingers as shown. Most of it should be wrapped around one finger, and as the floss is used, the other finger takes it up.

Flossing: Step 2

Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide about one inch of floss between your teeth.

Flossing: Step 3

Holding the floss tightly, gently saw the floss between your teeth. Then curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it beneath your gums.

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COVID-19 UPDATE

Republic Dental & Orthodontics is dedicated to your health and well-being. During these trying times of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) we are taking all steps to ensure your safety. We ask for your understanding that we will be screening every person that walks into our clinic which includes a brief questionnaire along with taking your temperature.

Please consider postponing your appointment if you have any of the following symptoms: • Fever • Currently have a cough or shortness of breath • History of significant chronic illness • Compromised immune system • You or a family member are considered high-risk • You or a family member have traveled to a location with a level 3 travel notice (Washington, California, New York) • Airline travel in the past 2 weeks • Previously asked to self-quarantine • Close contact to an individual diagnosed with COVID-19 infection Our office is continually ensuring the disinfection of our office: We are cleaning 4x a day, we continually clean each room, instrument, and surface before and after each patient. Every staff member is monitored and temperatures taken twice a day.

If you have any concerns of questions please don’t hesitate to contact us: